Ultraviolet Radiation

What is Ultraviolet Radiation?

Ultraviolet radiation can be defined as a form of electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength shorter
than visible light but longer than X-rays. It is invisible to the human eye.
The sun is the main source of UV radiation, but UV radiation is also emitted from artificial
sources such as tanning beds and germicidal lamps.

Description of UV rays:

 Wavelength: Ranges from about 10 nm to 400 nm.

 Frequency: Ranges from about 7.5 x 10^14 Hz to 3 x 10^16 Hz.
 Energy: Higher than visible light but lower than X-rays. UV radiation can cause chemical
reactions and biological effects, such as sunburn.

Scientists divide UV radiation into three main bands based on wavelength:

1. UVA (Ultraviolet A)

 Wavelength Range: 320-400 nanometres (nm).

 Energy and Penetration: UVA rays have the longest wavelengths and therefore the least
energy among the UV rays. They can penetrate deeper into the skin, reaching the dermis, the
thickest layer of the skin.
 Effects on Health: While they are less likely to cause immediate sunburn compared to UVB
rays, UVA rays contribute significantly to skin aging (wrinkles, loss of elasticity) and DNA
damage over time, which can lead to skin cancers. UVA rays can penetrate glass and clouds,
so they can affect the skin year-round.
 Artificial Sources: Often used in tanning beds and also in certain types of lamps.

2. UVB (Ultraviolet B)

 Wavelength Range: 280-320 nanometres (nm).

 Energy and Penetration: UVB rays have a medium wavelength and more energy compared to
UVA. They primarily affect the outer layer of the skin (epidermis).
 Effects on Health: UVB rays are more energetic and are the primary cause of sunburn. They
play a significant role in the development of skin cancers, including melanoma, and can
cause direct DNA damage. UVB rays contribute to the production of vitamin D in the skin but
can be filtered by glass and more easily blocked by sunscreen.
 Seasonality: UVB intensity varies with the season and altitude, being stronger during the
summer months and in higher altitudes.

3. UVC (Ultraviolet C)

 Wavelength Range: 100-280 nanometres (nm).

 Energy and Penetration: UVC rays have the shortest wavelengths and the highest energy
among UV rays. Fortunately, they are completely absorbed by the Earth's atmosphere,
specifically by the ozone layer, and do not reach the Earth's surface under normal
circumstances.
  Effects on Health: If UVC rays were to reach the Earth, they could be extremely harmful to all
forms of life due to their high energy. They can cause severe damage to DNA and other
cellular components.
 Artificial Sources: UVC is used in germicidal lamps for disinfection and sterilization purposes
because of its ability to destroy microorganisms

Benefits of UV Radiation:

Vitamin D:

 Vitamin D Production:
o Skin Synthesis: One of the most important benefits of UVB radiation exposure is the
synthesis of Vitamin D in the skin. When the skin is exposed to UVB rays, it converts
a cholesterol derivative into Vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential for bone health,
immune function, and overall well- being.
 Deficiency Prevention:
o Adequate Vitamin D levels help prevent conditions such as rickets in children and
osteomalacia (soft bones) and osteoporosis in adults

Medical Therapies:

 Phototherapy:
o UV radiation, particularly UVB, is used in the treatment of certain skin conditions
such as psoriasis, eczema, vitiligo, and some types of dermatitis. Controlled UV
radiation can help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
 PUVA Therapy:
o A combination of a drug called psoralen and UVA radiation is used to treat severe
skin diseases. This therapy is known as PUVA (psoralen and UVA) and can be
effective in the treatment of psoriasis, eczema, and some types of lymphoma.

Sterilization and Disinfection:

 Water Treatment:
o UVC radiation, which has germicidal properties and is used to purify water. UV light
can deactivate bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens by damaging their DNA and
RNA, thus preventing them from replicating.
 Surface Disinfection:
o UVC lamps are often used in hospitals, laboratories, and other settings to sterilize
surfaces and equipment, reducing the risk of infections.

 Air Purification:
o UV-C light is also used in air purifiers and HVAC systems to kill airborne
microorganisms, helping to improve indoor air quality.

Cosmic and Aesthetic Uses:

 Tanning:
o Controlled UV exposure in tanning beds or sunlight can provide a cosmetic tan.

 Acne Treatment:
 o Some acne treatments involve blue light and UV light to reduce acne-causing bacteria on
the skin.

Risks of UV Radiation:

 Sunburn is a sign of short-term overexposure, while premature aging and skin cancer are
side effects of prolonged UV exposure.
 UV exposure increases the risk of potentially blinding eye diseases if eye protection is not
used.
 Overexposure to UV radiation can lead to serious health issues, including cancer
 Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. The two most common types of
skin cancer are basal cell cancer and squamous cell cancer. Typically, they form on the head,
face, neck, hands, and arms because these body parts are the most exposed to UV radiation.
Most cases of melanoma, the deadliest kind of skin cancer, are caused by exposure to UV
radiation.

Anyone can have harmful health effects from UV radiation, but the risks increase in people who:

 Spend a lot of time in the sun or have been sunburned.

 Have light-colour skin, hair, and eyes.
 Take some types of oral and topical medicines, such as antibiotics, birth control pills, and
benzoyl peroxide products, as well as some cosmetics. These medications may increase skin
and eye sensitivity to UV in all skin types.
 Have a family member with skin cancer.
 Are over age 50.

Protecting yourself from UV radiation:

 Stay in the shade, especially during midday hours.

 Wear clothes that cover your arms and legs.
 Consider options to protect your children.
 Wear a wide brim hat to shade your face, head, ears, and neck.
 Wear wraparound sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays.
 Use sunscreen with sun protection factor (SPF) 15 or higher, for both UVA and UVB
protection.
 Avoid indoor tanning. Indoor tanning is particularly dangerous for younger users; people
who begin indoor tanning during adolescence or early adulthood have a higher risk of
developing melanoma.

Tanning Beds:

Tanning beds, also known as sunbeds, are devices that emit ultraviolet (UV) radiation to induce a
cosmetic tan by causing the skin to produce more melanin, the pigment responsible for skin colour.

 Tanning beds are equipped with specialized fluorescent lamps that emit UV radiation. These
lamps contain a mixture of phosphors designed to emit ultraviolet light primarily in the UVA
and UVB ranges. UVC is generally not used in tanning beds due to its harmful effects.
 Types of UV Radiation used:
o UVA (320-400 nm): They account for about 95% of the UV Radiation emitted by the
tanning bed. They penetrate deeper into the skin, reaching the dermis. They also
simulate melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin, causing the skin to darken.
 o UVB (280-320 nm): They account for about 5% of the UV radiation. They affect the
outer layer of the skin (epidermis) and also induce the production of melanin and
can cause the skin to thicken, providing a delayed tanning effect. However, higher
doses are associated with sunburn and increased skin cancer risk.
 Process of tanning:
o Initial Exposure: When a person uses a tanning bed, the emitted UV radiation
penetrates their skin. UVA rays cause an immediate darkening of pre-existing
melanin (melanin oxidation), resulting in a quick tanning effect. UVB rays cause the
skin to produce more melanin and lead to a longer- lasting tan through
melanogenesis, a process that takes several days.
o Tanning Sessions: Sessions typically last between 5 to 20 minutes, depending on the
tanning bed’s intensity and the individual’s skin type. The frequency and duration of
sessions are often regulated to minimize harmful effects, though these regulations
and guidelines can vary by region.
 Safety Measures and Risks:
o Regulation of UV Levels: Tanning beds are regulated to limit the amount of UV
radiation they emit. Safety standards aim to reduce the risk of burns and long- term
skin damage. Customers are usually advised to use protective eyewear to shield
their eyes from UV radiation
o Health Risks: Exposure to UV radiation, whether from the sun or from tanning beds,
increases the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and
squamous cell carcinoma. Prolonged use of tanning beds is also associated with
premature aging of the skin (wrinkles, leathery texture).
 Technological Advancements:
o High- Pressure Lamps: Some advanced tanning beds use high- pressure lamps that
emit predominantly UVA radiation. These beds are designed to provide a quick tan
with a reduced risk of burning compared to those that emit higher UVB levels.
o Timer Controls: Modern tanning beds include timers to help users avoid
overexposure. Timer settings adjust based on the user’s skin type and tanning
history to ensure safe exposure levels.
o Cooling and Comfort Features: To improve user comfort, many tanning beds are
equipped with cooling systems, such as built- in fans and air conditioning features.

Bibliography:

1. World Health Organization (WHO)

2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
3. American Cancer Society
4. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
5. NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
6. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)